Patents by Inventor Kristopher Karl Brown
Kristopher Karl Brown has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11964693Abstract: A vehicle having park assist includes a plurality of powered closure doors, each door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects relative to the vehicle and generating sensed signals indicative of the sensed objects, and a transceiver for communicating with a parked vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller processing the sensed signals, determining a distance and location of the sensed objects relative to the doors, and determining a parking location for the vehicle in a garage where the closure doors are free from contact with an object in the garage when in an open position and are free of contact with powered closure doors on the parked vehicle. An output is provided to assist a driver of the vehicle to park the vehicle in the garage in the determined parking location.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Patent number: 11932200Abstract: A vehicle includes a powered door having an actuator to move the door between open and closed positions, a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, and an imaging device oriented to capture images in a region proximate to the powered door. A controller processes the captured images and controls the actuator to move the door to the open position when a mobile device is detected proximate the vehicle and a user is detected in the captured images located in a door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a face of a user is recognized as an authorized user located in the door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a gait of the user is detected and identifies the gait are indicative of an authorized user located in the door detection zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Lawrence Amadi, Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Patent number: 11898382Abstract: A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Patent number: 11794783Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assisting a customer retrieve a package from an autonomous vehicle. In an example procedure, the autonomous vehicle may detect the customer waiting at a first spot and may determine that the first spot is unsuitable/unsafe for the customer to retrieve a package from a locked compartment in the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may therefore instruct the customer to move to a second spot that is safer and closer to the compartment and may then execute an authentication procedure to authenticate the customer and unlock a door of the compartment. In an alternative approach, the autonomous vehicle may travel to a parking spot that is safer and closer to where the customer is waiting (rather than instructing the customer to move) before authenticating and unlocking the door of the compartment to allow the customer to retrieve the package.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kristopher Karl Brown, Kendra White, Steven Wayne Friedlander, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 11787290Abstract: A system includes a camera aimed externally to a vehicle, a window of the vehicle, a projector positioned to project on the window, and a computer communicatively coupled to the camera and the projector. The computer is programmed to, upon receiving data from the camera indicating a first person outside the vehicle, instruct the projector to project an image on the window depicting a second person inside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Patent number: 11781369Abstract: Motor vehicles may be equipped with running board activated powered closure member systems. A powered opening or closing sequence of a closure member may be initiated by activating a running board assembly of the powered closure member system in response to a user input. The user input can be provided by a limb of the user, for example. In some embodiments, the running board assembly may include integrated sensors for receiving the user input. In other embodiments, the running board assembly may be configured to function as a switch for receiving the user input.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, Heather Woycik, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Hussein Berry
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Patent number: 11739584Abstract: A vehicle cargo compartment system includes an electric outlet mounted within an accessible location within a vehicle cargo compartment and a sensor assembly mounted proximate the electric outlet within the cargo compartment for detecting a presence of an electrical power cord. The cargo compartment system integrates powered features such as an electric outlet, powered tailgate and the powered top that utilizes environmental information gathered by various sensors on the vehicle in combination with predefined actions to simplify use and automate operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Halonen, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Patent number: 11738713Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine, based on vehicle sensor data, that an object is present in a vehicle compartment; and to actuate the vehicle compartment to close based on the object presence, a user proximity to the vehicle, and environmental data including at least a risk index and an environmental condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kendra White, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Patent number: 11708714Abstract: A vehicle having powered door assist includes a plurality of powered doors, each powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open door positions, and a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects proximate to the vehicle including one or more potential passengers expected to enter the vehicle and for sensing an obstacle within or proximate to a swing path of at least one of the plurality of powered doors. The vehicle also includes a controller determining an estimated weight of the one or more potential passengers, detecting expected height of the plurality of powered door with the estimated weight added to the vehicle, detecting height of a sensed obstacle within the swing path of one of the powered doors and determining whether the expected height of the one powered door will interfere with the sensed obstacle in the swing path.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Heather Woycik, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Publication number: 20230174018Abstract: A vehicle includes a powered door having an actuator to move the door between open and closed positions, a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, and an imaging device oriented to capture images in a region proximate to the powered door. A controller processes the captured images and controls the actuator to move the door to the open position when a mobile device is detected proximate the vehicle and a user is detected in the captured images located in a door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a face of a user is recognized as an authorized user located in the door detection zone. The controller moves the door to the open position when a gait of the user is detected and identifies the gait are indicative of an authorized user located in the door detection zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Lawrence Amadi, Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Publication number: 20230076901Abstract: A vehicle includes a body having an uninterrupted side aperture that provides access to an interior passenger cabin. A front door is hingedly attached at a forward edge of the uninterrupted side aperture. The front door is selectively operable between front open and front closed positions. A rear door is hingedly attached at a rearward edge of the uninterrupted side aperture. The rear door is selectively operable between rear open and rear closed positions. A latching assembly is at least partially positioned within the body and configured to receive the front door in the front closed position and the rear door in the rear closed position. A sealing assembly is defined between a forward seal of the rear door and a rearward seal of the front door. The forward and rearward seals engage one another in a fully-closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, David Brian Glickman, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Publication number: 20230077123Abstract: A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Publication number: 20230053760Abstract: Motor vehicles may be equipped with running board activated powered closure member systems. A powered opening or closing sequence of a closure member may be initiated by activating a running board assembly of the powered closure member system in response to a user input. The user input can be provided by a limb of the user, for example. In some embodiments, the running board assembly may include integrated sensors for receiving the user input. In other embodiments, the running board assembly may be configured to function as a switch for receiving the user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Stuart C. SALTER, Kristopher Karl BROWN, Heather WOYCIK, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Hussein BERRY
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Publication number: 20230057056Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door coupled to the body. The door is operable between opened and closed positions. A cinch assembly is operably coupled to the door. A door seal is positioned along at least a portion of a door opening, wherein the door seal includes a first conductor and a second conductor positioned therein. The first and second conductors are dielectrically isolated and cooperate to generate a capacitive signal. A controller is configured to monitor the capacitive signal and control the cinch assembly in response to the capacitive signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Kristopher Karl Brown, Fedor Balayev, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20230053029Abstract: A system includes a camera aimed externally to a vehicle, a window of the vehicle, a projector positioned to project on the window, and a computer communicatively coupled to the camera and the projector. The computer is programmed to, upon receiving data from the camera indicating a first person outside the vehicle, instruct the projector to project an image on the window depicting a second person inside the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Publication number: 20230041503Abstract: A vehicle having powered door assist includes a plurality of powered doors, each powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open door positions, and a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects proximate to the vehicle including one or more potential passengers expected to enter the vehicle and for sensing an obstacle within or proximate to a swing path of at least one of the plurality of powered doors. The vehicle also includes a controller determining an estimated weight of the one or more potential passengers, detecting expected height of the plurality of powered door with the estimated weight added to the vehicle, detecting height of a sensed obstacle within the swing path of one of the powered doors and determining whether the expected height of the one powered door will interfere with the sensed obstacle in the swing path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2021Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Heather Woycik, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Publication number: 20230024841Abstract: A vehicle cargo compartment system includes an electric outlet mounted within an accessible location within a vehicle cargo compartment and a sensor assembly mounted proximate the electric outlet within the cargo compartment for detecting a presence of an electrical power cord. The cargo compartment system integrates powered features such as an electric outlet, powered tailgate and the powered top that utilizes environmental information gathered by various sensors on the vehicle in combination with predefined actions to simplify use and automate operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Halonen, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Publication number: 20230016676Abstract: A vehicle having park assist includes a plurality of powered closure doors, each door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, a plurality of sensors located on the vehicle for sensing objects relative to the vehicle and generating sensed signals indicative of the sensed objects, and a transceiver for communicating with a parked vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller processing the sensed signals, determining a distance and location of the sensed objects relative to the doors, and determining a parking location for the vehicle in a garage where the closure doors are free from contact with an object in the garage when in an open position and are free of contact with powered closure doors on the parked vehicle. An output is provided to assist a driver of the vehicle to park the vehicle in the garage in the determined parking location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2021Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
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Patent number: 11537973Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to an autonomous vehicle food locker system that may include environmentally controlled storage compartments for storing and/or transporting perishable food items to be delivered to end consumers. The storage compartments may provide ultraviolet light controls and surfaces that provide sanitized food storage areas for a delivery vehicle. Computing processor(s) may be configured for determining a sanitization procedure for sanitizing the interior portion of the food storage locker based on sensor information received from internal and external sensors, video feeds, photographs, and other information. The processor(s) may determine one or more sanitation characteristics that can indicate or inform cleanliness of the interior portion of the food storage locker, and perform automated sanitization procedures that can include activating a chemical layer disposed on the interior portion of the food storage locker.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart Salter, Kendra White, Kristopher Karl Brown, Zeljko Deljevic, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Patent number: 11524629Abstract: A vehicle includes a first sound generator supported at a front of the vehicle and positioned to generate sound in a vehicle-forward direction. The vehicle includes a second sound generator supported at a right side of the vehicle and positioned to generate sound in a vehicle-right direction. The vehicle includes a third sound generator supported at a left side of the vehicle and positioned to generate sound in a vehicle-left direction. The vehicle includes a computer in communication with the first, second, and third sound generators, the computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify an anticipated maneuver of the vehicle as a right-turn maneuver or a left-turn maneuver, actuate the first sound generator, and then, selectively actuate the second sound generator or the third generator based on the anticipated maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Joshua Wheeler, Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman, Kristopher Karl Brown